30 Smart Jobs for 14-Year-Olds (That Are Safe, Legal, and Actually Teachable)

Summary: Looking for jobs for 14 year olds that are safe, legal, and genuinely helpful for building skills? This guide breaks down what you can and can’t do at 14, how many hours you’re allowed to work, what paperwork you might need, fair pay basics, plus 30 beginner-friendly job ideas with step-by-step tips to land your first gig. We also include scripts, résumé starters, safety checklists, and parent guidance to keep things smooth.

Know the Rules First (This Protects You)

Before you apply for anything, get familiar with the federal rules for 14–15-year-olds. In the U.S., federal youth labor law limits when and how you can work, and what types of jobs are permitted.

Federal hour limits for 14–15-year-olds (non-agricultural):

• Outside school hours only
• Up to 3 hours on a school day (including Fridays)
• Up to 8 hours on a non-school day
• Up to 18 hours in a school week
• Up to 40 hours in a non-school week
• Between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (extended to 9 p.m. from June 1–Labor Day)

State rules can be stricter and many states require work permits/age certificates before you start. Check your state’s page or labor office before accepting a job.

Quick tip: Print a simple one-page “work rules” summary to hand to your parent/guardian and any prospective employer. Clear expectations prevent last-minute surprises.

What’s Allowed vs. Not Allowed at 14

Generally allowed (non-agricultural, non-hazardous):

• Office/clerical tasks, cashiering, stocking light items, price tagging
• Host/hostess (no alcohol handling), busser, food prep that doesn’t involve prohibited machines or open fryers
• Cleanup with vacuums and floor waxers, bagging, busing tables
• Errands by foot/bike/public transit; caddy/ball shagger for sports; basic amusement/recreation support (age limits vary)

Generally not allowed for 14–15-year-olds:

• Operating power-driven machinery (explicitly includes power lawn mowers, trimmers/edgers, weed-eaters, food slicers/choppers/mixers), most baking machinery, hoisting devices, and more
• Hazardous occupations (logging, mining, most manufacturing, certain transportation tasks, etc.)

Special notes:

• Lifeguarding at traditional pools is a 15+ job under federal rules (with certification). At 14, choose pool attendant or concession support instead.
• Landscaping with power equipment (e.g., mowing with a gas mower, powered edger) is not allowed at 14–15—but raking, weeding, and hand-tool yard care are okay.
• Different rules apply to agriculture (farm work). At 14–15 you may do non-hazardous farm jobs outside school hours; younger teens can work with parental consent in limited cases.

Bottom line: When in doubt, assume powered machines and anything “industrial” is off-limits at 14.

Pay, Minimum Wage, and Youth Wage Basics

• The federal minimum wage is $7.25/hour, but many states and cities require more. You must be paid the highest applicable rate (federal vs. state/local).
• A special federal “youth minimum wage” allows employers to pay $4.25/hour for the first 90 consecutive calendar days of a new job if you’re under 20. Some states don’t allow this or set higher floors—check local law.
• A few states allow 85% of the state minimum for certain minors; again, confirm your location’s rules.

Taxes: If you earn money, you may have to file a tax return. Dependents have a limited standard deduction and rules can change—see the IRS overview and current standard deduction bulletin for details. (Parents may also qualify for certain credits tied to your earned income, like the Child and Dependent Care Credit if they pay for care so they can work.)

Do You Need a Work Permit?

Many states require working papers/age certificates for 14–15-year-olds. Requirements vary; some states issue permits through schools, others via labor departments. Start at the U.S. DOL’s state age-certificates page, then follow your state’s instructions.

30 Beginner-Friendly Job Ideas for 14-Year-Olds

Every idea below avoids prohibited machinery and stays within hour limits. Pair each with a parent-approved safety plan.

People & Community

1. Babysitting (mother’s helper to start)
   Begin as a parent-present helper. Get Red Cross babysitting basics and build a small roster.
2. Pet sitting / vacation check-ins
   Feed, water, litter cleanup, plant watering. Keep a written checklist for each visit.
3. Dog walking (daytime only)
   Walk one dog at a time at first; use a secure leash and set a route your parent knows.
4. Library helper (volunteer → paid seasonal aide)
   Check your local branch for teen programs that sometimes lead to hourly roles.
5. Community center attendant
   Front-desk greeter, event setup, signup table support (non-hazardous tasks).
6. Caddy or ball shagger (golf, driving range)
   Carrying bags, picking balls (with approved methods). Avoid driving machinery.

School-Adjacent & Tutoring

7. Homework helper for younger students
   Offer 30-minute sessions in one subject (reading fluency, fractions, basic Spanish).
8. Instrument practice buddy
   Sit with a beginner for practice accountability; follow a teacher-approved routine.
9. STEM camp junior counselor (summer)
   Lead icebreakers, prep materials (no hazardous equipment), help supervise.

Creative & Digital (Parent-Supervised)

10. Slide-deck or poster design for neighbors’ small events
    Use free tools to make flyers; deliver PDFs, not printing.
11. Basic video editing for family events
    Trim clips, add titles, export; avoid monetized “work for hire” tied to restricted platforms without parent oversight.
12. Photo organization
    Scan (with a family device) and sort albums; create labeled folders.
13. Greeting card or printable designs
    Sell through a parent-owned account where required; many platforms require 18+ or guardian management for minors—check platform rules.
14. Simple website content assistant
    Proofread pages, check links, format blog posts (no site admin or payments access).

Retail & Food Service (Entry-Level, Within Limits)

15. Grocery bagger / cart attendant
    Indoors work and cart retrieval (follow store safety).
16. Host/hostess or table setter
    Seat guests, roll silverware, fill water—no prohibited kitchen machines.
17. Ice-cream/counter clerk
    Scooping, taking orders, wiping tables—confirm permitted equipment with manager.
18. Movie theater usher
    Tickets, seating, cleanup; no projection booth/hazardous tasks.

Outdoor (Hand Tools Only)

19. Raking leaves & yard tidy-ups
    Raking, bagging, weeding by hand; no power mowers/edgers.
20. Garden helper
    Hand-watering, planting starters, labeling pots, sweeping paths.
21. Snow shoveling (manual)
    Clear walkways/steps; use ergonomic shovels and take breaks.

Events & Seasonal

22. Birthday party helper
    Set up decorations, run games, pass snacks, clean up.
23. Scorekeeper/ref assistant for youth leagues
    Keep time/score (non-officiating roles to start).
24. Holiday gift wrapping
    Offer branded “wrap & tag” bundles to neighbors.
25. Pumpkin patch or tree lot helper (vendor dependent)
    Greet customers, tag items, small-item restocking.

Organizations & Camps

26. Museum junior docent
    Learn one exhibit well; lead short tours.
27. Zoo/park education aide
    Hand out materials, guide simple activities (no animal handling roles).
28. Religious/community service childcare helper
    With supervised programs and background-checked adults present.

Micro-Enterprises (Family-Backed)

29. Errand runner (hyper-local)
    Mail drop-offs, library returns, porch package waits—parent-approved routes only.
30. Neighborhood organizer
    Create mini-clubs: chess, reading, Lego—charge small session fees; parent handles payments.

How to Land Your First Job (Step by Step)

Step 1: Pick two ideas that fit your schedule.
Use your school calendar to mark exam weeks and sports. Choose jobs with flexible windows (e.g., weekend pet visits or after-school tutoring).

Step 2: Create a one-page “teen résumé.”
Include: name, grade, school, contact (parent’s email/phone), skills (“reliable, on time, careful with instructions”), and any volunteering/clubs. Add two references (one adult who knows you from school or activities).

Step 3: Make a short pitch.
Script you can text or say at the door:

“Hi! I’m Jordan from Maple Street. I’m offering after-school dog walks (20 minutes) and weekend pet-sitting check-ins. I follow written instructions and send a quick photo update each visit. Would you like my 1-page info sheet?”

Step 4: Set a starter rate that respects local wage rules.
Research local rates; confirm you’re at or above the highest applicable minimum and whether a youth wage applies in your state.

Step 5: Collect details in writing.
Use a simple job sheet: dates/hours, tasks, rate, how to contact a parent, emergency plan.

Step 6: Deliver and document.
Show up 5–10 minutes early. After each shift, send a quick summary (“walked 0.8 miles; fresh water; one treat as approved”).

Safety & Rights Checklist (Share With Parents)

• Hours: Stay inside school-time limits and curfews for your area.
• Tasks: Say no to any powered machinery (e.g., lawn mowers, edgers) or slicers/mixers in kitchens. Ask for alternatives.
• Environment: Well-lit spaces, a way to contact an adult, and clear emergency plans.
• Transportation: Pre-approved routes and pickup plans; avoid riding with new acquaintances.
• Breaks & water: Especially for outdoor roles.
• Pay: Confirm rate before the shift; track hours in a notebook or phone note.
• Permits: If your state requires working papers, get them first.
• Report concerns: If something feels unsafe or inappropriate, leave and call a parent/guardian.

Parent/Guardian Guide (3 Quick Wins)

1. Co-sign and co-review. Sit with your teen to review job descriptions. Call the adult contact and confirm duties match federal/state rules.
2. Handle platforms & payments. Many marketplaces require an 18+ account or guardian management—set up correctly and keep logins private.
3. Create a communication plan. Share a live location or preset check-ins. Keep emergency contacts on a paper card in your teen’s bag.

Money 101 for Teen Workers

• Track income and expenses. A simple spreadsheet works.
• Taxes & forms: For formal jobs, you’ll see forms like W-4 (withholding) and I-9 (work authorization). For informal gigs, keep records—your family’s tax preparer may need them. The IRS explains dependent rules and publishes yearly standard-deduction updates; check the current numbers each season.
• Banking: Most banks offer teen accounts tied to a parent.
• Savings goals: Use the “50-40-10” starter split—50% spend, 40% save, 10% give.

Simple Pricing Starters (Adjust to Local Norms)

• Babysitting (mother’s helper): per hour, small premium per additional child
• Dog walking: per 20–30 minutes; offer a 5-pack at a small discount
• Pet check-ins: per visit with add-ons (plants, mail)
• Yard tidy-up (hand tools only): fixed price per task (e.g., 6 lawn bags of leaves)
• Tutoring (elementary skills): per 30 minutes; offer sibling add-ons
• Event helper: flat fee per party (2–3 hours)

Always verify you’re at or above the highest applicable minimum wage and that any “youth wage” rules are respected where you live.

Scripts & Templates You Can Reuse

Door flyer/handout blurb

Hi! I’m Ava (8th grade at Lincoln). I offer after-school homework help for grades 1–4 and weekend pet-sitting check-ins. I’m punctual, follow written instructions, and send quick updates. Rates start at $X. My parent, Taylor, is copied on all messages. Text us at (xxx) xxx-xxxx.

Follow-up text after an inquiry

Thanks for reaching out! I can help on [days/times]. For safety, my parent is included here. I bring a checklist to each visit so nothing is missed. Would you like my one-page info sheet and references?

One-page info sheet sections

• Services & rates
• What’s included (checklist)
• Availability windows (respect school-night limits)
• Contact (teen + parent)
• References

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mow lawns at 14?
You can rake, weed, bag, and water, but federal rules prohibit 14–15-year-olds from operating power-driven mowers/edgers/trimmers for employment. Hand tools only.

Can I work late in the summer?
Yes—federal evening hours extend to 9 p.m. from June 1 to Labor Day (still outside school hours). States may be stricter.

Do I have to be paid minimum wage?
Generally yes (highest applicable federal/state/local). Some employers can lawfully pay a youth minimum during your first 90 days if you’re under 20; some states limit this exception.

Is online content creation “work”?
It can be. Some states have begun to regulate minors’ earnings from online content. If you’re appearing in monetized content, involve a parent and check your state’s rules.

What about farm work?
Different rules apply. At 14–15 you may do non-hazardous farm tasks outside school hours; rules are different if your parent works on that farm.

A 7-Day Action Plan (From Idea to First Client)

Day 1: Pick 2 job types that fit your schedule (e.g., pet check-ins + homework help).
Day 2: Draft the one-page résumé and info sheet.
Day 3: Confirm state permit requirements; if needed, start the application.
Day 4: Ask two adults (teacher/coach) for permission to list them as references.
Day 5: Print 20 flyers; ask your parent to accompany you for the first round of drop-offs.
Day 6: Send polite follow-ups; schedule your first trial session at a discount.
Day 7: Do the job, document it, and request a short review you can quote (with permission).

Final Word

There are plenty of jobs for 14 year olds that build real-world skills, pay fairly, and fit school life—if you pick roles that match your strengths and follow the rules. Start simple, keep everything written and transparent with a parent, and choose safety every time. With a solid plan, your first customers will quickly become repeat customers—and your early work experience will stand out on every application you fill out later.

Sources & Further Reading

• U.S. Department of Labor: Hours & permitted work for 14–15-year-olds; YouthRules guidance.
• U.S. DOL eCFR/Elaws: Prohibited occupations including power-driven mowers/trimmers, and landscaping restrictions for minors.
• U.S. DOL: State age-certificate/work-permit requirements overview.
• U.S. DOL & USAGov: Minimum wage basics and youth minimum wage.
• IRS: Dependents & standard deduction updates (check each tax year).
• NCSL: Emerging laws related to minors and online content creation.

This article is for general guidance and is not legal or tax advice. Always check your local/state rules and consult a trusted adult before starting work.